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Tasty Baked Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 102 reviews

This Tasty Baked Gnocchi Mac and Cheese combines pillowy gnocchi with a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from Gruyère, Fontina, and Parmesan. Baked until bubbling and golden, it’s an irresistible comfort dish topped with fresh basil for a fragrant finish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Gnocchi:

  • 1 lb gnocchi
  • Nonstick spray (like Pam, for easy cleanup)

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 1 tsp chopped garlic (freshly minced for best flavor)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • White pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • Salt, to taste
  • 3/4 cup whole milk (room temperature for a smoother sauce)
  • 1/4 cup grated Fontina cheese

For the Topping:

  • Fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced, for garnish)
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Gnocchi: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain well and spread the gnocchi in a single layer in a 1.5-quart shallow baking dish sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce Base: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour to form a thick paste and cook until it bubbles gently. Gradually whisk in the room-temperature milk and Dijon mustard, continuing to stir and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Add the Cheese and Season the Sauce: Combine Gruyère and Fontina cheese in a bowl. Add the cheeses gradually to the milk mixture, stirring constantly and waiting for each handful to melt before adding more. Once all the cheese has melted into the sauce, season with salt and white pepper to taste.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the prepared gnocchi in the baking dish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven until the gnocchi have puffed up and the top is golden and bubbly, approximately 25 minutes.
  5. Rest and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Before serving, sprinkle thinly sliced fresh basil leaves over each portion for a fragrant and fresh finish. Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy baked gnocchi!

Notes

  • Using room-temperature milk helps create a smoother cheese sauce with fewer lumps.
  • Be sure to gradually add cheese to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth melt.
  • Fresh basil adds a lovely aromatic touch but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.

Keywords: gnocchi mac and cheese, baked gnocchi, cheese sauce, Gruyère cheese, Fontina cheese, comfort food, baked pasta substitute, Italian-American recipes

Find it online: https://topreci.com/tasty-baked-gnocchi-mac-and-cheese-recipe/